demon

Jack was resting gently on me, holding me like I was his world. The room was quiet, and through the window, the soft moonlight bathed us in its gentle glow, making everything feel even more magical. As I stroked his hair, I felt at peace.

"Erin," Jack whispered my name, his voice soft and filled with affection. I looked at him and smiled, answering him with a gentle "Yes?"

He raised his head slightly, coming closer, and stroked my cheek tenderly. "Let's get married after graduation," he said, his eyes filled with a serious and sincere emotion.

We only had three months left until we graduated. I smiled warmly, my heart fluttering, and nodded. But just as that happiness sank in, a sudden sharp pain hit my abdomen. I winced, grabbing my stomach in discomfort.

"Erin, what's wrong?" Jack's voice was laced with concern as he quickly sat up, his hands reaching out to steady me.

I gasped as the pain intensified, my breath becoming shallow. Something wasn't right. It felt like my body was being overwhelmed by a force I didn't understand. I closed my eyes and tried to focus, but the pain only grew worse.

"Jack..." I managed to whisper, barely able to speak. My head leaned against his chest as I tried to gather my strength. I was panting heavily, each breath feeling like a struggle. My heart raced, pounding so loudly in my chest it felt like it would explode.

Jack was panicking now, holding onto me tightly. "Erin, what's happening? Talk to me," he urged, his voice filled with desperation.

I looked up at him with all the strength I could muster and said, "We need to leave here. Now." My voice was weak, but I meant every word.

He looked at me, confused and terrified. "What are you saying? Why do we need to leave?"

I shook my head, unable to explain everything in this moment. There wasn't time. "Don't ask me why," I begged him. "Just go. Please, Jack. Promise me you'll leave and not come back until dawn."

His eyes widened, torn between wanting to stay and protect me, and the fear that something much bigger than both of us was happening. "But Erin, I can't just leave you like this!"

"Jack, please," I pleaded, gripping his arm. "You have to promise me. Promise you won't wait for me, and that you won't come back before dawn. I need you to do this."

"Erin, let me drive you home," Jack insisted, his voice filled with concern.

"No," I replied, shaking my head. "I have to stay here, and please don't say anything to Dad."

"Stay here all night? Are you out of your mind? Most people have already left," he said, clearly agitated.

"Jack, don't you want to stay with me? Then trust me. I will come back to you at dawn," I urged, trying to convince him. My heart was pounding, but I knew I had to face this alone.

Jack looked down, torn between his protective instincts and my plea. "I can't leave you alone here, Erin," he said softly. "Can I wait for you outside the college?"

I closed my eyes and without thinking, pressed my lips against his. We kissed deeply, a desperate, passionate exchange as if it was our last. When I finally pulled away, I nodded. "Yes, but promise me you won't come looking for me."

Jack hesitated but nodded. "I promise." With that, I turned and left him, my heart heavy yet determined.

The cold night air hit me as I stepped outside, and I felt a strange mixture of strength and weakness wash over me. The pheromones that filled the air felt different now, stronger, almost intoxicating. I could feel something dark growing inside me, pulling me toward the inevitable.

I moved quickly, scanning the shadows. "Where are you?" I whispered. "Don't you want me now?" My voice echoed in the silence, and the unease deepened.

Suddenly, I heard someone call my name. The voice was too sweet, laced with an unnatural seduction that made my pulse quicken. I turned around, and there he was.

"Adrian," I murmured, recognizing the lone figure standing just ahead. His eyes glowed red in the dim light, and his lips curled into a devilish grin. He looked more sinister than I'd ever seen him, his aura radiating power and danger.

"I knew it," I grinned, bracing myself for whatever was to come.

Adrian began walking toward me slowly, each step deliberate, as if he enjoyed the anticipation. His smile deepened, and his eyes sparkled with malicious intent. 

Adrian came close, his cold fingers lifting my chin. "Isn't it normal to recognize your master?" he said with a sneer, his eyes glowing with malevolent intent.

I frowned, disgusted by his arrogance, and shoved his hand away. "You are not my master. I'm not your worshipper. I only worship my God," I spat out, standing tall against him.

At the mention of God, Adrian threw his head back and laughed. The sound was haunting, echoing through the empty night like a sinister storm. The laughter twisted the atmosphere, and for a moment, it felt like everything around us was shaking.

"God?" Adrian's voice turned cruel, his face contorting in mockery. "You believe in God? You think you're God's child?" His voice grew darker, filled with menace as his eyes burned a deeper red. With each word, it felt as if flames erupted from his very being, radiating a heat that pressed against me, suffocating and unnatural.

I clenched my fists, my resolve hardening against the growing tension. The shadows were closing in, shifting around us, twisting and dancing like specters waiting for his command. But I wouldn't be afraid, not now.

"Shut up!" I shouted, my voice cutting through his mocking tirade.

Adrian's smile faded, his expression growing more serious. His hand reached out to brush my cheek, and I recoiled at the touch, feeling a revolting chill crawl over my skin.

"Do you think your God gave you this power?" His voice was low, dangerous. The way he said it made it clear he believed otherwise, that he thought he had some twisted ownership over me.

I pulled back further, my eyes narrowing in defiance. "You can't do anything. You can't take me now," I said, my voice firm. Even though I felt the weight of his dark presence pressing in on me, I knew I had the strength to stand against him.

Adrian paused, his eyes narrowing as if he were assessing me. Then, a wicked grin stretched across his face. "Oh, I know. My little prey has already given herself to someone," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. His words hit like a dagger, and his gaze trailed over me as if he could see the bond between Jack and me.

I glared at him, anger bubbling beneath my skin. He was trying to break me, to make me feel like I had already lost, but I wouldn't let him. I wasn't his prey. Not now, not ever.